Watch out for the Darlaston Brick Nicker - Alleyway targeted by mystery thief

As a result, there were calls today for the footpath - the small alleyway at the top end of Dorsett Road - to be closed.

The latest incident happened last Tuesday morning at about 3am and follows two similar incidents where dozens of the bricks were stolen.

But this time it appears the perpetrator/s may have been caught in their attempts to steal them again as they left the bricks piled up on the side, leaving a gaping hole in the alleyway.

As well as the thefts, the small alleyway has been hit with anti-social behaviour problems in recent years with youngsters hanging around the area causing a nuisance to residents.

Police have been called to the alleyway, which leads to King Edward Street, several times before to deal with trouble at the area.

But it appears enough is enough for residents as all the problems on the alleyway has led to them calling for it to be closed.

Tracy Arnold, whose business PR Arnolds is located right next to the alleyway, told the Express & Star she and residents were getting fed up of the constant trouble and wanted an end to it.

"It appears the Darlaston Brick Nicker has tried to strike again," she said.

"I don't know why anyone would want to take take them, either they want to flog them or they are just pinching them to build a patio.

"The health and safety aspect is very concerning - anyone could trip up on them and break their neck.

"It must cost Walsall Council a lot of money each time they have to re-surface the alleyway, it's just so frustrating for us all.

"We are also concerned with the way the alleyway is being used as we've had to deal with youngsters drugs and drinking in the area. We are hoping to get it closed down.

"Residents are not happy people are going up and down the alleyway at night. They are getting fed up of the way things are going.

"We feel if it was closed down then that would be the best solution for us all.

"If it was closed down it wouldn't be any inconvenience for walkers as it would only take them an extra five seconds to get to the road.

Mrs Arnold said she was in regular discussions with Councillor Doug James about the possibility of closing the alleyway.

Councillor James, who represents the Darlaston South ward, said he was checking the legality of such a proposal before entering talks with Walsall Council.

"This brick nicking and anti-social behaviour at the alleyway has been a long running problem," he said.

"I'm keen to discuss further actions with residents to see what they want to do."